Mobile cellular transmission system

ABSTRACT

A portable cellular site includes a modular shelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with a telecommunication facility, wherein the shelter has the approximate dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container; a door to enter the shelter; a computer rack to receive computer equipment; a radio unit rack to receive wireless communication equipment; and air conditioning machine to cool the shelter interior.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cellular transmission sites.

In contrast to the largely stationary internet of the early 2000s,Americans today are increasingly connected to the world of digitalinformation while “on the go” via smartphones and other mobile devices.Explore the patterns and trends that have shaped the mobile revolutionbelow. The vast majority of Americans—95%—now own a cellphone of somekind.

To support such explosive growth in usage, telecommunication companies(telcos) need many cell towers. Cell tower costs vary widely, dependingon what kinds of deals the constructor has with various vendors.Generally, constructing a tower costs around $200,000 or $250,000. About$150,000 of that is for “civil installation” which includes pouringconcrete, the mast and its erection, backup generators, fencing, tinyair-conditioned shack, and security systems. The telecommunications guts(baseband processors, transceivers, power supplies, amplifiers, etc)will run about $20,000 to $50,000 for the equipment—and another $25,000for installation ($75,000 for equipment and installation). There mayalso be about $5000 worth of costs to connect the tower to the corenetwork, depending on its location and infrastructure. The bulk of thecost is for “civil installation” (standard building materials,construction, and installation costs). A major issue is the permitissuance, which can take 12-36 months to obtain.

Moreover, after construction, the cell towers are exposed to damage fromnatural disasters since they cannot not be moved to safety. Since thetelcos are typically self-insured, the maintenance and support of thecell towers can be substantial.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a portable cellular site includes a modular shelterhaving pre-configured equipment to communicate with a telecommunicationfacility, wherein the shelter has the approximate dimensions of astandard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freightcontainer; a door to enter the shelter; a computer rack to receivecomputer equipment; a radio unit rack to receive wireless communicationequipment; and air conditioning machine to cool the shelter interior.

Implementations of the aspect may include one or more of the following.Security bars can be used to protect equipment in the shelter. Thecomputer rack is adjustable to handle different computer size. An airconditioning compartment is provided to house an air conditioner andsecurity bars protect the air conditioner. An equipment compartment isprovided, wherein the door is coupled to the equipment compartment, andwherein the equipment compartment is sealed from the environment. Anantenna compartment houses the extendable mast. An actuator is used toelevate the antenna mast. A plurality of radio frequency entry openingsto receive cables to an antenna. A ballast can be used to secure theshelter to the ground. The shelter can have first and secondsubstantially parallel corner posts disposed at a first end of theshelter, the first and second corner posts having first and second ends;an upper frame support extending between the first ends of the first andsecond corner posts; a lower frame support extending between the secondends of the first and second corner posts, wherein the shelter hassufficient strength to withstand the forces of at least eight similarshelters stacked on top of the shelter. The shelter is configured tosatisfy a stacking test requirements when at least eight similarlydimensioned shelter are stacked on top of the shelter. A plurality ofcorner posts are used, wherein each of the corner posts comprises firstand second connection blocks disposed adjacent the first and second endsof the corner post. One of the corner posts can have an interior cavityconfigured to receive a jack configured to assist with leveling theshelter. The system can have a jack configured to move the shelter froma truck to a ground without requiring a crane; and a hinge connectingthe jack and one of the corner posts, wherein the hinge is configured toallow the jack to pivot from a first position in which the jack isdisposed substantially within an interior cavity of the one of thecorner posts to a second position in which the jack is disposed outsideof the one of the corner posts.

In another aspect, a ballast system includes a substantially rectangularbase with approximate bottom dimensions of a standard InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) freight container; base lockingunits at each corner of the base to be secured to a shelter withapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container; and extendable arms extendingfrom the base to the ground.

In yet another aspect, a cellular communication system includes amodular shelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter in combination with oneor more additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container; each shelter having a door toenter the shelter; a computer rack to receive computer equipment; aradio unit rack to receive wireless communication equipment; and airconditioning machine to cool the shelter interior.

In further aspect, a cellular communication system, comprising a firstshelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter in combination with oneor more additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container, and a second shelter stackedabove the first shelter coupled to the stair, wherein the shelter incombination with one or more additional modular shelters in combinationconforms to the approximate dimensions of the ISO freight container.

In another aspect, a cellular communication system includes a firstshelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter in combination with oneor more additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container, and second, third and fourthshelters coupled at one end to an end near the antenna mast, wherein theantenna mast is secured to the first, second, third and fourth shelters,wherein each shelter conforms to the approximate dimensions of the ISOfreight container.

In yet another aspect, a cellular communication system includes a firstshelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter in combination with oneor more additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container; and one or more additionalshelters positioned in parallel or spaced apart from the first sheltercoupled to the stair, wherein the shelter in combination with one ormore additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of the ISO freight container.

In a further aspect, a transport system includes a trailer with atransport bed adapted to receive a shelter having substantiallyrectangular base with approximate bottom dimensions of a standardInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container;first and second wheeled transport assembly positioned on the trailer,wherein each transport assembly is adapted to connect to each end of theshelter to move the shelter on or off the trailer; and base lockingunits at each corner of the bed to be secured to a shelter.

Advantage of the preferred embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing. The system is portable and mobile, cost effective, and can bemoved to avoid natural disaster or as capacity is needed. Thedeployable, expandable telco shelter may be transported along with otherstandard ISO shipping containers by cargo aircraft, military aircraft,rail, truck and container ship. For example, two such telco shelters canbe accommodated in a military C-130 aircraft. The telco shelters may bestacked one on top of the other to a height of nine for shipping on thedeck of a container ship or for storage. These telco shelters are builtto structural standards for shipping containers and to comply with ISO1496/1 test requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like descriptor. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing.

The advantages and features of this invention will be more clearlyappreciated from the following detailed description, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-16 show exemplary side views of a modular mobile cellularsite(pod).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary top view of the pod of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary mast side and HVAC side view of the pod ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary interior view of the pod of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5-6 show exemplary front and back sectional view of the pod ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 7-8 show exemplary front and back view of the pod of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary perspective view of a base ballast for the podof FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary top view of the base ballast of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary mast side and HVAC side view of the ballastof FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary view of the HVAC side view of FIG. 11 withclosed and extended outriggers.

FIGS. 13-23 show an exemplary views of a split room embodiment of a pod.

FIGS. 24-25 show exemplary views of a single room embodiment.

FIGS. 26-29 show an exemplary green camouflaged pod for placement nearnature.

FIGS. 30-36 show an exemplary brick camouflaged pod for placement nearhomes or brick buildings.

FIGS. 37-42 show an exemplary sand camouflaged pod for placement nearsandy locations.

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary transportation system for the pod.

FIGS. 44-45 show an exemplary co-location X-configuration of four pods.

FIGS. 46-48 show an exemplary co-location stack-configuration of fourpods.

FIGS. 49-52 show an exemplary co-location inline configuration of fourpods.

FIG. 53A-53G show exemplary modular units that can be added to the podsimilar to a Lego block.

FIG. 53A shows an exemplary power generator as a modular add-on option.

FIG. 53B shows an exemplary pod lift stand as a modular add-on option.

FIG. 53C shows an exemplary lift bucket as a modular add-on option.

FIG. 53D shows an exemplary pod walkway as a modular add-on option.

FIG. 53E shows an exemplary pod foundation option.

FIG. 53F shows an exemplary radio expansion unit as a modular add-onoption.

FIG. 53G shows an exemplary power plant or backup battery module as amodular add-on option.

FIGS. 54A-54C show exemplary monopole antenna ballast foundation using 38×20 containers.

FIGS. 55A-55D show exemplary ballast configurations supporting aplurality of modular pods sharing a common antenna module between thepods.

FIGS. 56A-56E show exemplary mast securing system that reduces risk ofmast collapsing based on securing pin failure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of telco shelter 10 of this invention will now bedescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-8. Turning now to FIG. 1, telcoshelter 10 includes a main section 12 which has a first end 14, a secondend 16, a door 15, a roof 18, a floor panel having a floor surface 22and four corner posts 20. As shown in FIGS. 13-25 below, telco shelter10 may further include expandable modules. As further shown in FIGS.44-52 below, telco shelter 10 may link with other shelters for increasedspace, support or strength. There are four corner posts 20 which are themain support elements of telco shelter 10. Corner posts 20 may be madeof heavy gauge, welded steel. Gusset plates may be provided at the topand bottom ends of posts 20 to provide greater strength and rigidity.Each corner post typically has a connection block 50 attached such as bywelding to its top and bottom ends. Each block 50 typically has holes 52formed in the top and bottom surfaces thereof to allow a standardcontainer connector to be inserted therein. Connectors may be used toclamp telco shelters 10 together vertically. Holes formed on the sidesof blocks 50 may be used for interfacing with a crane, forklift or otherlike mechanism for movement of telco shelter 10 from one place toanother.

The telco shelter 10 may have the configuration of a standard ISOcontainer, which is typically twenty feet long, eight feet wide, andeight or nine feet high. As shown in FIG. 1, telco shelter 10 may bestacked on top of other telco shelters 10, or ISO containers with whichit is compatible. In this manner, a telco shelter 10 or multiple telcoshelters 10 can be shipped by means of cargo aircraft, militaryaircraft, rail, truck or container ship to a desired location. In oneexample, two such telco shelters 10 may be accommodated in a C-130aircraft for deployment. Moreover, the telco shelters 10 may be stackedin a storage facility along with ISO containers. In one embodiment,telco shelters 10 are configured so as to be able to be stacked ninehigh. Telco shelters 10 a-i preferably are built to satisfy ISO 1496/1test requirements.

Corner posts are provided at each corner of the telco shelter. Theseposts are load-bearing, and are reinforced to permit stacking of thetelco shelter. The corner posts may be provided with jacks that maypivot outwardly from the post. Typically the jacks are provided withfeet, such as sand feet, which assist in stabilizing the telco shelter.The jacks in the posts level the telco shelter. These jacks may beeither manually operated, or, if access to power is provided, there is aself-leveling system which automatically levels the telco shelter. Eachof the expanded modules of the telco shelter are also provided withstabilizers having feet which permit leveling of those portions of thetelco shelter.

The pod is a deployable, expandable, telco shelter which may be expandedfrom a base condition in which it has the size and shape of a standardISO container to a condition in which it contains all equipment readyfor deployment as a moveable cell tower. The telco shelter can bestacked nine units high for shipping or storage. The telco shelter, whendeployed, may be used for increasing capacity for local events, foradding capacity to freeway, hospital, laboratory space, disasterrecovery, temporary housing, meeting or office space, or other likepurposes.

FIG. 2 shows the components inside the pod of FIG. 1. The pod has airconditioning unit (HVAC) 60 to cool internal temperature. This can becontrolled by an HVAC controller 62. A door entry is provided to allowoperator access for maintenance, and next to the door is an emergencykit 80. Across from the door entry 82 is an ATS 64 and power bay 66.Equipment rack 68 is provided, and can handle the standard 19-inchracks, commonly for servers or networking devices. A plurality of remoteradio head (RRH) 70 and 86, also called a remote radio unit (RRU) isprovided for communication in wireless networks. The RRH is a remoteradio transceiver that connects to an operator radio control panel viaelectrical or wireless interface. In wireless system technologies suchas GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE the radio equipment is remote to theBTS/NodeB/eNodeB. The equipment is used to extend the coverage of aBTS/NodeB/eNodeB in challenging environments such as rural areas ortunnels. They are generally connected to the BTS/NodeB/eNodeB via afiber optic cable using Common Public Radio Interface protocols. RRHshave become one of the most important subsystems of today's newdistributed base stations. The RRH contains the base station's RFcircuitry plus analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters andup/down converters. RRHs also have operation and management processingcapabilities and a standardized optical interface to connect to the restof the base station. Remote radio heads make MIMO operation easier; theyincrease a base station's efficiency and facilitate easier physicallocation for gap coverage problems. RRHs typically use the latest RFcomponent technology including Gallium nitride (GaN) RF power devicesand envelope tracking technology within the RRH RF power amplifier(RFPA). Fourth-generation (4G) and beyond infrastructure deploymentswill include the implementation of Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA)architecture. FTTA architecture has enabled lower power requirements,distributed antenna sites, and a reduced base station footprint thanconventional tower sites. The use of FTTA will promote the separation ofpower and signal components from the base station and their relocationto the top of the tower mast in a Remote Radio Head (RRH). According tothe Telcordia industry standard that establishes generic requirementsfor Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) protection GR-3177, the RRH shifts theentire high-frequency and power electronic segments from the basestation to a location adjacent to the antenna. The RRH will be served byoptical fiber and DC power for the optical-to-electronic conversion atthe RRH. RRHs optionally has Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) to protectthe system from lightning strikes and induced power surges. There isalso a change in electrical overstress exposure due to the relocation ofthe equipment from the base station to the top of the mast. The RRHs canbe installed in a low-profile arrangement along a rooftop, or caninvolve a much higher tower arrangement.

The RRH 70 and 86 have cables that are routed through the RF entrypoints 72 and connected to an antenna with a mast 78. The antenna mast78 supports the mounting of antenna. The antenna may be used forreception, transmission or both reception and transmission of anelectromagnetic signal. The mast may be limited in height because ofobstructions in the environment. Obstructions may include vegetation,vine canopies, tree canopies, bridges, traffic signals, buildings orotherwise. The limitation in height of the antenna may limit the maximumrange of effective communications between the vehicle and acommunications device located remotely apart from the vehicle. Forexample, electromagnetic radiation that is in the microwave frequencyrange may be limited to propagation in line-of-sight paths or may beseverely attenuated by ground clutter where antenna height isinsufficient for a requisite level of clearance. Accordingly, the mast78 is used to extend the height for maximizing the available antennaheight of an antenna mast mounted on a vehicle to improve the range andreliability of communications. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary interior viewof the pod of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5-6 show exemplary front and back sectionalview of the pod of FIG. 1, while FIGS. 7-8 show exemplary front and backview of the pod of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary mast side and HVAC side view of the pod ofFIG. 1. The mast 78 is moved up or down using a pneumatic pump 76 andcontrolled by a controller. To support raising and lowering of theantenna mast 78, a retractable tensioner can be used for receiving orreleasing the transmission line. In one configuration, the retractabletensioner comprises a reel or spool upon which the transmission line iswound to a great extent when the antenna mast is fully lowered and to alesser extent (or not at all) when the antenna mast is fully raised. Thespool may be spring-loaded to retract the transmission line and areleasable ratchet mechanism (e.g., a generally circular gear withteeth, the gear mounted coaxially to the spool, where the teeth engage amovable pawl) may prevent the spool from moving when the tower iselevated above its lowest height. A signal evaluator measures ordetermines a signal quality level associated with the receivedelectromagnetic signal. The signal evaluator is arranged to compare themeasured signal quality level to a threshold minimum signal qualitylevel. The user or a technician may establish the threshold minimumsignal quality based on one or more of the following: (1) targetreliability (e.g., 99.9% reliability) or target availability ofcommunications (e.g. reception, transmission or both) for the antennaand associated communications equipment, (2) a maximum bit-error ratefor digitally modulated signals, (3) a minimum signal-to-noise ratio,and (4) a minimum signal strength. The threshold minimum signal qualitymay vary with the environment or location of the vehicle and may varyover time, such that time-averaged readings of the measured signal areused for signal quality determinations. In one embodiment, the signalquality comprises the measured signal-to-noise ratio of the receivedsignal and the minimum signal quality level comprises a minimumsignal-to-noise ratio defined by a user or technician. In anotherembodiment, the signal quality comprises signal strength of the receivedsignal, and the minimum signal quality level comprises a minimum signalstrength defined by a user or technician.

Further, a power panel 74 receives power into the pod. Power may beprovided by line to a connector from a source, such as a peripheralmechanical module to power communications panel. Heating, ventilationand air conditioning may be provided through supply and return ductswhich may connect to adapter plates. Communication lines (not shown) mayconnect with connectors. Clean and waste water lines, respectively, maybe connected to adapter plate which is interchangeable with otheradapter plates. Power from panel 74 may be supplied to sub panels tosupply power to outlet strips (not shown) and lights 84.

A leveling bubble may also be provided for manual leveling of the telcoshelter 10. Preferably, however, the telco shelter is self-leveling. Aself-leveling control panel 168 allows the telco shelter to level itselfthrough the use of built-in sensors and software. A typical selfleveling unit employs an inclinometer and electric motors and gearreducers to operate jacks described below in a known manner to leveltelco shelter 10.

To enhance placement without requiring a crane, in one embodiment, eachpost 20 contains a jack. The jack is normally in a stowed or retractedposition, and extends in a deployed condition to support the pod whenthe truck is moved. The jack is then retracted to bring the pod to theground in a controlled manner and the jack can be removed afterward.Jack typically includes a ram for leveling of telco shelter 10.Typically, each jack is disposed within an interior cavity of post 20 inthe retracted position. A cover plate may be disposed on the front ofhousing. In one embodiment, cover plate may have integral cross boltsthat may lock the cover plate and jack in a stowed position. A bracketmay be attached to the front of cover plate and may be used to manuallypull the jack out of the post 20 and swing it into its deployedcondition. There may also be a manual access knob that permits access toa socket for a hand crank that can be used to manually crank down theram of jack, for leveling of telco shelter 10 in the absence of anypower. Alternatively, or in addition, ram may be driven by anelectromechanical motor. Electrical power and sensor wires may beattached at connectors at the top end of housing. The bottom end of rammay be filled with a stabilizing foot.

Containers suitable for transportation by truck, ship, or air mustgenerally comply with the standards and regulations for ship freight setforth by ISO and CSC. Furthermore, containers that are transported byhelicopter must be able to support the dynamic load imposed by thelifting of the containers, which is typically about three times thestatic load. Heretofore, such containers generally have a metalframework, i.e., a post-and-beam construction, with composition board(usually steel or aluminum sheathed) or other composite material panelsattached to the framework by bolts, rivets, welding, and the like. Suchcontainers, however, are inherently heavy. For example, a standard20-feet long container constructed to meet ISO size requirements(typically 8 feet wide by 8 feet high) weighs on the order of 4,000 to5,000 pounds. As a result, the maximum cargo or payload that can betransported in such a container is generally limited to two to threetimes the tare weight, or empty weight, of the container. Furthermore,the side, roof, and floor panels of the metal-framed container typicallydo not support any structural loads or provide any structural resistanceto externally applied forces. The metal framework of these containersmust therefore have sufficient mass and structural strength to supportboth the cargo load and any externally applied forces. More recently,instead of metal framework, some transportable containers that have beenconstructed to meet ISO size requirements have been formed of compositematerial panels. These containers may not be able to handle hurricanelevel wind. To address this, a base ballast can be used.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary perspective view of a base ballast for the podof FIG. 1. The base ballast can be used to anchor the pod to the groundand can sustain hurricane level wind. The ballast can hold material thatis used to provide stability to a pod. Material in the ballast can bepositioned to affect the pod handling by changing its load distributionor center of gravity, for example.

The base ballast includes a substantially rectangular frame 120 withoutriggers 122 sliding in and out of the bottom of the base ballastframe 120. Each outrigger 122 has extended arms 126 that can provideadditional securing cables to the pod. At the top of each corner of theframe 120 is a male connector 124 that securely attaches the frame 120to the pod of FIG. 1. For additional weight, sand, cement, rock, orother objects can be embedded inside the frame 120 to hold the pod tothe ground. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary top view of the base ballast ofFIG. 9. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary mast side and HVAC side view of theballast of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary view of the HVAC side viewof FIG. 11 with closed and extended outriggers 122. The outriggers 122slide in and out of support bars in the frame 120. The frame 120 isfurther supported by cross bars.

Next, the modular aspects of the pod in accordance with the preferredembodiment are detailed. FIGS. 13-23 show an exemplary views of a splitroom embodiment of a pod. A pocket door (or a small door) is provided toallow access into the split room. While small, as shown in FIG. 19-20,the split room can contain all amenities of the pod of FIG. 1. Forlarger requirements, FIGS. 24-25 show exemplary views of a single roomembodiment. FIG. 25 shows that the single room embodiment can also havethe same equipment as in the pod of FIG. 1.

As cell towers have run into esthetic objections from residents, variousembodiments of the pods can be camouflage to better blend into theenvironment. For example, FIGS. 27-29 show an exemplary greencamouflaged pod for placement near nature. FIGS. 30-36 show an exemplarybrick camouflaged pod for placement near homes or brick buildings. FIGS.37-42 show an exemplary sand camouflaged pod for placement near sandylocations.

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary transportation system for the pod. The systemincludes a trailer with a transport bed adapted to receive a shelterhaving substantially rectangular base with approximate bottom dimensionsof a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO)freight container. The system also has first and second wheeledtransport assembly positioned on the trailer, wherein each transportassembly is adapted to connect to each end of the shelter to move theshelter on or off the trailer. Base locking units at each corner of thebed to be secured to a shelter.

FIGS. 44-45 show an exemplary co-location X-configuration of four pods.In this configuration, the cellular communication system includes afirst shelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter in combination with oneor more additional modular shelters in combination conforms to theapproximate dimensions of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) freight container. Additionally, second, third andfourth shelters are connected at one end to an end near the antennamast, wherein the antenna mast is secured to the first, second, thirdand fourth shelters, wherein each shelter conforms to the approximatedimensions of the ISO freight container. Each shelter can include:

-   -   a door to enter the shelter;    -   a computer rack to receive computer equipment;    -   a radio unit rack to receive wireless communication equipment;    -   an extendable antenna mast; and    -   air conditioning machine to cool the shelter interior;

FIGS. 46-48 show an exemplary co-location stack-configuration of fourpods. In this configuration, a first shelter has pre-configuredequipment to communicate with a telecommunication facility, wherein theshelter in combination with one or more additional modular shelters incombination conforms to the approximate dimensions of a standardInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container.A second shelter can then be stacked above the first shelter coupled tothe stair, wherein the shelter in combination with one or moreadditional modular shelters in combination conforms to the approximatedimensions of the ISO freight container. A stair coupled to a side ofthe shelter, and the shelter can also have balcony for various needs.

FIGS. 49-52 show an exemplary co-location inline configuration of fourpods. This configuration has a first shelter having pre-configuredequipment to communicate with a telecommunication facility, wherein theshelter in combination with one or more additional modular shelters incombination conforms to the approximate dimensions of a standardInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight containerand one or more additional shelters positioned in parallel or spacedapart from the first shelter coupled to the stair, wherein the shelterin combination with one or more additional modular shelters incombination conforms to the approximate dimensions of the ISO freightcontainer.

FIG. 53A-53G show exemplary modular units that can be added to the podsimilar to a Lego block. FIG. 53A shows an exemplary power generator asa modular add-on option. FIG. 53B shows an exemplary pod lift stand as amodular add-on option. FIG. 53C shows an exemplary lift bucket as amodular add-on option. FIG. 53D shows an exemplary pod walkway as amodular add-on option. FIG. 53E shows an exemplary pod foundationoption. FIG. 53F shows an exemplary radio expansion unit as a modularadd-on option. FIG. 53G shows an exemplary power plant or backup batterymodule as a modular add-on option.

FIGS. 54A-54C show exemplary monopole antenna ballast foundation using 38×20 containers.

FIGS. 55A-55D show exemplary ballast configurations supporting aplurality of modular pods sharing a common antenna module between thepods.

FIGS. 56A-56E show exemplary mast securing system that reduces risk ofmast collapsing based on securing pin failure. In this system, the mastshave portions that, as they extend, is usually pinned to secure thecurrent segment and the next segment. However, as pins can fall out, thesegments can collapse and cause injury. The hydraulic actuated mast isdesigned to fit inside the pod. It has a collapsed height of 9′-4″ andcan extended to the height of 60′ in one embodiment. The mast consistsof structural square steel tubing which telescope one section at a timeby 3 stage hydraulic ram. Each section of the mast square tubing has alock pin/ram push pin cut out, this pin is inserted to the section beingerected pushed by the hydraulic ram. When the mast section is at thedesired height, the twisklock is engage to lock the section in place forallowing the ram to come down and lift the next section. When the mastsection is extended the twisklock handle is rotated to allow thetwistlock pin to fully engage and penetrates to two mast section to lockin place so the ram can come down safely to lift the next mast section.The system of FIGS. 56A-56E provide a spring loaded lock system in placeof a normal pin, and the lock system has a locked state, where thespring loaded rod extends through the two mast segments by aconsiderable distance through the two mast segment sides to preventaccidental collapse of the mast segments. Moreover, a lock and open pinis provided to ensure that the rod is at its intended locked or openposition.

The advantages of the present invention can be achieved in aneconomical, practical, and facile manner. While preferred aspects andexample configurations have been shown and described, it is to beunderstood that various further modifications and additionalconfigurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It isintended that the specific embodiments and configurations hereindisclosed are illustrative of the preferred nature of the invention, andshould not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, itshould be understood that they have been presented by way of exampleonly, and not by way of limitation. Although the disclosure is describedabove in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, itshould be understood that the various features and functionalitydescribed in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limitedin their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they aredescribed. They instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, toone or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or notsuch embodiments are described, and whether or not such features arepresented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadthand scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a personof ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.

Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof,especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated,should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples ofthe foregoing, the term” “including’ should be read to mean “including,without limitation,’ “including but not limited to,’ or the like; theterm “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unlisted elements or method steps; the term“having” should be interpreted as “having at least;” the term “includes’should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to;” the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives suchas “known,” “normal,” “standard,” and terms of similar meaning shouldnot be construed as limiting the item described to a given time periodor to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be readto encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future; and use of termslike “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” or “desirable,” and words ofsimilar meaning should not be understood as implying that certainfeatures are critical, essential, or even important to the structure orfunction of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the invention. Likewise, a group of itemslinked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring thateach and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rathershould be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly,a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read asrequiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be readas “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural or singular termsherein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural tothe singular or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to thecontext or application. The various singular/plural permutations may beexpressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limitthe application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of anyclaims in any application claiming priority to the present application,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail byway of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the descriptionand examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention to the specific embodiments and examples described herein, butrather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming with thetrue scope and spirit of the invention.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including anyaccompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise,each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series ofequivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of providing mobile cellularpods according to the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way ofillustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended tolimit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention isthus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cellular communication system, comprising amodular shelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with atelecommunication facility, wherein the shelter has the approximatedimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization(ISO) freight container; a door to enter the shelter; a computer rack toreceive computer equipment; a radio unit rack to receive wirelesscommunication equipment; and air conditioning machine to cool theshelter interior.
 2. The system of claim 1, comprising security bars toprotect equipment in the shelter.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer rack is adjustable to handle different computer size.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, comprising an air conditioning compartment to housean air conditioner.
 5. The system of claim 4, comprising security barsto protect the air conditioner.
 6. The system of claim 1, comprising anequipment compartment, wherein the door is coupled to the equipmentcompartment, and wherein the equipment compartment is sealed from theenvironment.
 7. The system of claim 1, comprising an antenna compartmenthousing the extendable mast.
 8. The system of claim 7, comprising anactuator to elevate an antenna mast.
 9. The system of claim 7,comprising a plurality of radio frequency entry openings to receivecables to an antenna.
 10. The system of claim 1, comprising a ballastcoupled to the shelter.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheltercomprises first and second substantially parallel corner posts disposedat a first end of the shelter, the first and second corner posts havingfirst and second ends; an upper frame support extending between thefirst ends of the first and second corner posts; a lower frame supportextending between the second ends of the first and second corner posts,wherein the shelter has sufficient strength to withstand the forces ofat least eight similar shelters stacked on top of the shelter.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the shelter is configured to satisfy astacking test requirement when at least eight similarly dimensionedshelter are stacked on top of the shelter.
 13. The system of claim 1,comprising a plurality of corner posts, wherein each of the corner postscomprises first and second connection blocks disposed adjacent the firstand second ends of the corner post.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinat least one of the corner posts comprises an interior cavity configuredto receive a jack configured to assist with leveling the shelter. 15.The system of claim 1, further comprising: a jack configured to move theshelter from a truck to a ground without requiring a crane; and a hingeconnecting the jack and one of the corner posts, wherein the hinge isconfigured to allow the jack to pivot from a first position in which thejack is disposed substantially within an interior cavity of the one ofthe corner posts to a second position in which the jack is disposedoutside of the one of the corner posts.
 16. The system of claim 1,comprising an extendable antenna mast.